Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Score Landmark Pay Victory – But the Fight for Fair Wages Isn't Over
In a groundbreaking ruling, a federal judge has sided with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in a class-action lawsuit over wages, marking a pivotal moment in the battle for fair pay in professional cheerleading. But while the win is historic, advocates say systemic issues in the industry remain unresolved.
The Ruling: A Long-Overdue Win
A U.S. district judge ruled that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) were systematically underpaid, violating federal labor laws. Key findings:
- Cheerleaders earned as little as $8/hour—far below minimum wage—after accounting for unpaid rehearsals, appearances, and strict grooming requirements.
- Team policies deducted pay for minor infractions (e.g., $1 fines for forgetting a hair ribbon).
- Mandated "volunteer" events were actually unpaid labor, the judge ruled.
The settlement, while undisclosed, is expected to compensate dozens of current and former cheerleaders for years of back pay.
"It Was Never Just About the Money" – Inside the Fight
Former DCC member Erica Wilkins, a lead plaintiff, told CNN:
"We loved representing America's Team, but we were treated like disposable props. We had to pay for our own spray tans, travel, and even the bikinis they made us wear—all while being told we should feel 'honored' for the opportunity."
The Hidden Costs of Being a DCC
- $2,000+ in out-of-pocket expenses per season (uniforms, makeup, gym memberships).
- Strict "appearance clauses" requiring professional hair/nails at all times—with no reimbursement.
- No health insurance despite grueling physical demands and injury risks.
Why This Case Matters Beyond the Cowboys
The DCC lawsuit is part of a growing wave of labor challenges in professional cheerleading:
- Raiders cheerleaders won a $1.25M settlement in 2014 over wage theft.
- Jets Flight Crew sued in 2022 over unpaid rehearsals.
- NBA/NFL cheerleaders are increasingly unionizing.
Labor experts say the DCC ruling could force league-wide changes:
"This sets a precedent that cheerleaders are employees, not 'ambassadors,' and must be paid fairly," said Sarah Leberstein, a Fair Wages advocate.
The Cowboys' Response – Silence and Spin?
The Cowboys organization has not commented on the ruling, but insiders say the team has quietly updated policies:
- Hourly wages now meet state minimums ($7.25 in Texas, but DCC reportedly pays $12-$15/hour).
- Some expenses (like travel) are now covered.
- Strict fines have been eliminated.
Yet critics argue the changes don't go far enough:
"These women generate millions in merch and ticket sales. They deserve salaries, not just 'compliant' hourly wages," said sports economist Nola Agha.
What's Next? The Push for Industry-Wide Reform
While the DCC win is a step forward, advocates say real change requires:
- League-wide minimum pay standards (NFL/NBA).
- Benefits like health insurance and 401(k)s.
- An end to exploitative "pay-to-work" systems.
"This isn't just about cheerleaders—it's about respecting women's labor in sports," said Lacy Thibodeaux, a former Saints cheerleader turned activist.